A number of Bloc Québécois supporters are denouncing party leader Daniel Paillé’s decision to expel Ahuntsic MP Maria Mourani from caucus.

His decision to boot Mourani from caucus over her vocal opposition to the Parti Quebecois’ controversial proposed ‘charter of Quebec values’ has triggered a flurry of reaction, with supporters taking to Twitter and Facebook to express their anger.

Jérôme Boucher, a young sovereigntist in Quebec City, has been a Bloc supporter for just over a year. On Thursday afternoon, he tore up his party card and posted a photo of it to Twitter.

In an interview with iPolitics Friday, Boucher said in French Paillé’s “take it or leave it” attitude had muzzled any hope of a democratic debate surrounding the charter.

“Maria had the right to express her opinion and has the right to express opinions on behalf of her consitituents who have said they are worried about the charter,” Boucher said.

“His actions make it clear there is no room for debate within this party.”

Mourani’s expulsion set off a wave of online condemnation from many high-profile sovereigntists, including the wife of former Quebec premier Jacques Parizeau, Lisette LaPointe.

“The take it or leave it attitude of the Bloc Québécois leader was bringing back bad memories. We are with you courageous Mario Mourani!” she wrote in French. The ‘we’, she confirmed Friday in an interview with Paul Achand of Radio 98.5, included her husband.

On Facebook, many party faithful called for Paillé to resign as leader, while others — some of whom identified themselves as long-time party supporters — said they would no longer be voting for the Bloc.

Alexandre Brassard, who said he’s been a sovereigntist since he was 16 — and who also tweeted a picture of his shredded Bloc membership card — said he’s considering his options for the next federal election.

“Everything would depend on the candidate in my riding, but if I had to chose a party it would probably be the Liberal Party of Canada, with a heavy heart.”

Pierre-Jean Dumont, another erstwhile Bloc supporter writing on the party’s Facebook page, called the expulsion a “pitiful decision to remove an MP that had the misfortune of expressing an opinion.

“I’ve almost always voted from the (Parti Québécois) and the (Bloc Québécois), but I do not find myself belonging to these two sectarian parties who are defensive and who invent problems,” he added.

“Daniel Paillé must resign and quit the Bloc immediately,” wrote another supporter, Jean Ferretti. “I prefer a country with Mourani than one with him.”

Still, if Paillé were to resign, Boucher said he still would have no interest in rejoining the party. “It’s too late. I do not see myself retaking my card for a party that does not consult its members before making a decision.

“If they think that they can make a decision without consulting their members and especially without debating the subject, then I don’t see why I would be a part of that.”

Paillé’s actions could also hit the party’s coffers. Speaking to reporters at her constituency office on Friday morning, Mourani said she had already received a number of calls and emails from party members saying they would not belong – or donate – to the Bloc Québécois.

When contacted, a spokesperson for Daniel Paillé refused to comment on whether the party had received similar messages from its supporters.